As summer rolls around, it's time to think about the sun and those pesky bugs. I don’t know about you, but the amount of options out there to keep my family safe can feel overwhelming. In today’s episode, I sit down with Melissa, a clinical pharmacist and creator of Pharmomcist, about the best practices and products for using bug repellents and sunscreens. We’re here to make your summer life as mom easier and safer. Whether you’re planning a family day at the beach or a simple backyard BBQ, t...

Ever wondered what it really takes to recover from a C-section and regain your strength and confidence? Whether you're gearing up for your 1st or 4th C-section, we have some tips for you. In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Liesel Teen, labor and delivery nurse and founder of Mommy Labor Nurse. C-section recovery can be more challenging than a vaginal delivery due to the major abdominal surgery involved. From essential prep tips to must-know post-delivery advice like using abdo...

If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that we shouldn't be judging any mom for how they choose to feed their child. We all have different needs and lifestyles and what works for one family may not work for another. In this episode, I'm sharing a few reasons why you may consider exclusively pumping for your breastfeeding journey. Ultimately, whether you choose to exclusively pump due to work, personal reasons, or convenience, you know what's best for your family. Tune in to hear:Why ...

Let's face it: there are a lot of options out there when it comes to breast pumps. Whether your social media feed is flooded with ads for trendy pumps, or you are seeing the advertisements in other spaces, it can feel very overwhelming. In today's episode, I discuss the effectiveness of various pumps, debunking myths about size and efficiency. Remember, the right pump and setup can revolutionize your breastfeeding experience, ensuring both comfort and efficacy. I want to make sure you feel co...

Ever wonder what it takes to make life work as a pumping mom in the professional world? In today's episode, we dive into the world of Sarah Wells, who revolutionized the industry with stylish yet functional breast pump bags. Tune in to discover how empowerment, innovation, and motherhood can intersect.Tune in to hear: Challenges faced by working mothersWhat drove Sarah to start her own line of functional and stylish pump bagsThe inspiration and drive for Sarah to write a book focusing on...

Are you ready to revolutionize your period experience, but don't know where to start? Fret no more! Today's episode features the fabulous Kim Rosas from Period Nirvana, who's here to take the mystery out of sustainable menstrual products. Join us as Kim shares her wealth of knowledge on menstrual cups and discs, giving us the lowdown on convenience, comfort, and, yes - sustainability. Tune in to hear: Kim explains there's a sustainable option to suit your body and lifestyle - and it...

In today's episode we're talking all about bottles—starting from the initial drops of colostrum to finding the perfect bottle that supports your baby's oral development. I'm addressing myths around nipple confusion, the importance of pace bottle-feeding, and finding bottles that benefit both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. I'm even covering one of the biggest questions most pumping and breastfeeding moms have when it comes to bottles-how much do I prepare? You'll leave this episode feeling...

One question I often get asked is, "Will I be able to breastfeed if I am having a C-section?" The answer is- absolutely! In this special episode, I open up about my journey as a C-section mom, from my very first C-section six years ago to the one I have planned for June. Join me as I share my story of overcoming challenges and triumphantly breastfeeding my children, offering tips and encouragement to all moms. Whether you're a C-section mom, a breastfeeding enthusiast, or simply looking for...

Have you ever wondered how to maximize your breast milk production and simplify your daily routine? Today I want to talk to you about The Pitcher Method. The pitcher method is a strategic way of combining all of your breast milk pumped throughout the day, regardless of whether you're exclusively pumping, nursing, or doing a combination of both. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity - it's not about the volume but about the combination of milk throughout the entire day. Over the...

Are you considering exclusive pumping as a feeding option for your baby? This journey can be a hot topic for many moms-to-be, and as a veteran exclusively pumping mom myself, I understand the challenges and queries surrounding this topic.  Over the course of the episode, I uncover some crucial takeaways to consider when getting started, give practical tips for the early postpartum period, and also share the importance of establishing a sustainable pumping schedule.  Remember: you are the...

Being a mom is a lot of work, and when we add pumping on top of that it can feel overwhelming. I often find myself asking: how do I prioritize it all and make time? Over the last several years, I have had many people reach out to ask the age-old question: is it better to have 8 shorter pumping sessions or 4 longer ones? In order to find the answer, we need to delve into the science behind lactation and hormone stimulation. When we do this, it provides valuable insight into the best pumping...

Are you worried about your milk supply? Feeling like you're on an island of uncertainty with breastfeeding? As moms, we often encounter breastfeeding challenges, and low milk supply can be an overwhelming concern. Today's guest is Kaia Lacy, a Certified Lactation Counselor who specializes in low milk supply issues. Kaia's drive to share her knowledge and experiences culminated in the creation of her Instagram account, @lowsupplymom, which has grown from a passion project to a vibrant...

Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. Six years ago, I faced a heartbreaking chapter in my pregnancy journey. In today’s episode, we're going to revisit that time — a moment that shaped my role as a mother and an advocate. We'll talk about the challenges of pregnancy loss, the importance of seeking second opinions, and finding our voices in the loud and often overwhelming world of medical decisions. I'll be sharing a very personal story of a Level 2 ultrasound that triggered...

It seems like everywhere I look right now, I'm seeing advertisements for the latest passive milk collectors. You must be seeing them too because I am getting a lot of messages from followers asking about my opinion. So let’s talk about this controversial issue and the impact it can have on your milk supply. In this episode, I share my thoughts about the rise of new companies and their advertisements for passive milk collectors, and get real about the importance of understanding the method of...

The NICU can be an overwhelming experience. When we add pumping schedules  and sanitization practices within that environment, it can feel downright exhausting. We’re here to give you advice on how to navigate this time.  I'm thrilled to welcome back our guest, Courtney Olson from @lactationchat. Courtney is a speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant, who brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to today's discussion. Her journey has led her to a pivotal role in the NICU as a...

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby should include more than just throwing a baby shower. People don’t talk about the fourth trimester (the postpartum period) as much as the other parts, but it is a critically important facet of new motherhood. In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Allegra Gast. As a registered dietitian and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Allegra brings a wealth of experience to her virtual and in-person private practice, Aloha...

For decades we have been told that babies need to start with pureed foods when they start solids. But what if I told you that these purees might not be the best starting point, and that self-feeding can be the key to developing safe and effective eating habits?  In this episode, I sit down with Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts, a platform dedicated to guiding parents through the introduction of solids to their little ones. With over 3 million followers on Instagram (@solidstarts), she is...

Are you staring at a freezer full of milk, wondering, 'where do I even begin?' If you’re anything like me, you may find the idea of rotating your milk a very daunting task as a new mom. I had so many questions: should I be feeding them this thawed milk? How should I be using my frozen milk? When should I rotate it? How should I rotate it? In this episode, I’ll provide valuable insights and practical tips for effectively managing your breast milk stash. You’ll hear about the updated guidelines...

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how do you balance a pumping routine when you've got more than one kiddo to take care of? In this episode, I'm sharing four tips to have a successful pumping journey even with multiple kids in tow. You'll hear why you shouldn't put too much emphasis on sticking to a strict pumping schedule, and that regular removal is the key. I'm also sharing what pumps and tools you do need to set yourself up for success. Having a hard time communicating...

We have Kelly Kendall back on the show today. She was our guest back on Episode 3: Hand Expression with Kelly Kendall so if you haven’t listened to that episode, be sure to go back and check that out. Today we are talking about a not very complicated topic that moms seem to overcomplicate. And that is increasing milk supply. Kelly is a nurse, an IBCLC, the face behind the Instagram account @thebalancedboob, and has a feeding course called Boob School. She and I met nearly four years ago and...

I’ve been debating what I want to share with you all as far as this pregnancy goes. It’s not because I’m a super private person, we all know that isn’t true, but I never want to bore you guys by talking about myself all the time. However, I just had my 10 week ultrasound and it was very triggering for me. I’m sharing my story because I felt like if I’m dealing with this, then I can’t be the only one. In this episode I share how ultrasound appointments are very emotional for me. I have PTSD...

My friend Allegra Gast is back on the show with us today. She is also pregnant! Allegra is an IBCLC, a registered dietitian, and the face behind @aloha.nutrition on Instagram. Today she is sharing her top five tips, and more, on how to get your energy up during pregnancy! If you aren’t familiar with Allegra, be sure to go back and listen to episodes five and nine. Allegra was a guest on those episodes as well. But in this episode we focus on things you can do right now, if you are currently...

The last couple of months have been a lot of chaos around here. Before the chaos transpired I was really feeling spread thin. I had been prioritizing and reevaluating things and had come to the conclusion that I was just about ready to put my business pants on and jump head first into all things @bemybreastfriend. Well all of that came to a halt when I noticed a major supply dip in the breast milk I was producing. Tune in to this episode to hear a major announcement! If you follow along on...

We are featuring a community member on the podcast this week. Sonia is a Nurse Practitioner who reached out to me asking if she could share more information about Indian breastfeeding culture. I was shocked to learn some of the information that Sonia shared and I know you will be enlightened as well. Sonia is the mom to a four month old son and she shares how members from her Indian community made her feel guilty for pumping. They regard pumped milk as being different from milk that is fed...